He said the sample included women, young people, intellectuals, farmers, workers and businessmen.

“Copts genuinely have concerns about candidates with Islamist backgrounds, particularly since they make no secret of their extremist intentions towards Copts and reject the civilian state,” Gobrail said.

He added that no Islamist candidate has clear ideas for addressing Copts' problems. In fact, their problems are likely to worsen if an Islamist reaches the presidency, he said.

He said 100,000 Copts have emigrated since the 25 January revolution and the rate is expected to climb further if an Islamist is elected.

He also said that the Coptic Church withdrew from the constitution-writing committee because it will likely produce a non-civilian state.